After almost two weeks, it appears 2025 is a year for renovations. At the beginning of January, news came that Tamayo would close for a few months in order to revamp, and now Avanti Food & Beverage in Denver will do the same. On an uptick, after a year of being shut down for repairs, Cart-Driver LoHi is ready to open again. We’re also seeing some new chefs come in, and pizza, lots of pizza.
Read on for more of this week’s top news stories and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
Cart-Driver LoHi is finally opening on Thursday, January 16. “It’s been a long slow process, but it’s really allowed us to rethink Cart-Driver LoHi,” said owner Andy Niemeyer, adding he’s relieved the restaurant will finally start serving again. “We were open a few years before the closure, and with a couple operations under our belt we learned how the space functions and what the neighborhood is looking for.” Read more about it here.
For the first time in 10 years, Work & Class in RiNo is offering reservations. Walk-ins are still encouraged, but it’s nice to know you can plan a night without a wait.
Denver Union Station announced the appointment of chef Kevin McCormick as culinary director. McCormick will oversee the food offerings at Terminal Bar, Cooper Lounge, Pigtrain Coffee Co., and the latest edition, Press, a tacos and tortas spot in the Great Hall. He’s also launching a new dessert concept in the building, details below.
This year marks 10 years of Avanti Food & Beverage, a food hall that now has three locations including the original Denver spot, Boulder, and more recently, Vail. Now through March, the Denver venue will temporarily close the first floor in order to remodel and add a new coffee shop. During this time the second-floor kiosks, Ama Modern Mexican and Knockabout Burgers, will remain open Tuesday through Saturday, as well as the bar. The weekly trivia night will also continue on the second floor.
“The past 10 years have been incredible, and we’re thrilled to give Avanti a fresh look for 2025,” stated Travis Christ, director of operations at Avanti Food & Beverage, in a press release. “The new coffee shop will allow us to welcome guests from morning to night, making Avanti a true all-day destination.”
Guests of Denver’s Avanti can expect three new concepts to enter the space upon reopening, replacing Pho King Rapidos, Gorlami, and 22 Provisions. Also look for updated seating and lighting, new flooring, a killer sound system, and more kitchen space for tenants.
Also in food hall news, Edgewater Public Market has a new owner. Founded by LCP Development in what used to be a King Soopers grocery store, the five-year-old space is now run by CentrePoint Properties. As far as we know, there are no major changes planned.
Denver Milk Market, in the Dairy Block downtown, also has a shift. Libry Darusman took the helm as executive chef, and Scott Bellot now holds the title of general manager. Though chef Darusman has cooked all over the country, he recently came to Milk Market from Barcelona Wine Bar and Le French.
The Greenwood Village Spice Trade Brewery & Kitchen will shift into Dol Bhattarai’s small Nepalese food chain Yak & Yeti. Spice Trade originally launched inside the Arvada location of Yak & Yeti, and under the guidance of brewer Jeff Tyler, moved into its own spot about five years ago. Now, Bhattarai is taking the reins again and turning it into his popular restaurant, but will still keep the Asian-influenced beers going.
Openings and Closings In the News
Leven Supply has officially opened at 300 E. Alameda Ave., adding a southern branch of the popular downtown deli. Yes, you can still get the famous reuben sandwich (and the veggie version of it too), as well other favorites such as the tahini brownie. But the new spot also offers other sandwiches, small plates, dessert, and the star of the show, pizza.
Denver Union Station recently hired chef Kevin McCormick, who will help shepherd a fresh dessert concept. A Chicago native, McCormick has run the pastry program at Michelin-starred restaurants, and has over 16 years of eclectic industry experience. That’s one reason he’s perfect for the launch of Baumé – A Dessert Bar, which will open next month in the Great Hall. The menu will focus on European-inspired treats and Champagne to go with it all.
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants opened in Larimer Square just as we rang in the new year. Run by chefs Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee, the Michelin-starred concept features a 10-seat omakase-style counter with an immersive 17-course nigiri tasting menu. Most of the seafood gets flown in directly from Tokyo’s renowned Toyosu Fish Market.
“At its core, omakase is about storytelling,” said Lee in a press release. “For me, it’s not just about the food but about creating an experience that connects people to the craft and the story behind it. We’re excited to bring this experience to Denver and want to create a space that locals love and offers visitors a taste of the city’s vibrant energy.”
The experience is available Wednesday through Sunday, with three seatings at 5 p.m., 7:15 p.m., and 9 p.m. Lee also recently opened Not a Damn Chance Burger along with pro skateboarder Neem Williams, which is located upstairs from the sushi space.
Owner and chef Jake Rothey opened The PZA Denver in its own space at 644 Santa Fe Drive in Denver last week. Previously the pizza joint served out of a dive bar, but with the new digs you can expect to nosh on 12- or 18-inch pies, sandwiches, and salads.
After closing at the end of the year, Mr. Lucky’s Sandwiches has reopened both the Colfax Avenue and LoHi sandwich shops. Though owner Galen Juracek warns it might not be forever, the decades-old eatery still needs a solid financial backer.
Where Colfax Avenue gains a place, it will also lose one. In this case, in Lucky Noodles news, a post on Instagram stated its last day is January 24. The five-year-old spot has been a popular place for solid Thai food. While the social media post announcing the closure didn’t say why, it did mention the owners are working on a new project.
On the Menu
KoKo Ni at 1441 26th St. in RiNo is back with a new concept hosted by Brandon Soto and chef Silvino Sanchez. This month it brings to life NXT Wine Bar, a culinary incubator aimed at showcasing local talent. First up on January 16, Yna Zuniga, Bruto’s pastry chef, brings sweet treats before she launches her own ice cream company. The next day features beverage pro Paul Webb and his new libation concept, Sipping Art. NXT Wine Bar runs until February 2, and there will be seven-course dinners served in the space in between special events.
Are you a fan of MAKfam‘s Mala Mozzarella Sticks? News is diners can get them every day from lunch to dinner. Previously they were only available Mondays and during happy hour. Over at Tamaki Den there’s now Milan Buri on the menu. The tangerine-fed yellowtail comes straight from Ehimie, Japan, and only get’s served once a season.
Urban Field Pizza and Market (150 Main St., Longmont) has whipped up the ultimate pickle pizza. Dubbed Pickle Me Timbers, the dish features Utz dill chips, dill pickles, spicy ranch, fresh dill, garlic, fontina, and creme fraiche. The only catch, you have to drive to Longmont to get it.
Events
McGregor Square hosts the Aprés Skate Silent Disco on Saturday, January 18 on its outdoor ice rink. Expect retro mixes and modern hits from live DJs. The event is 21-plus, and tickets run $30 each, which includes a Silent Disco headset, ice skate rental, rink admission, and one complimentary drink from Milepost Zero. For more information and to buy tickets, go here.
The National Western Stock Show is in full swing. Find out more about specials around town and where to go to make you feel like a cowboy.
